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Stasis dermatitis is a long-term condition that causes inflammation, ulcers, and itchy skin on the lower legs. It often occurs in people who have underlying conditions that affect blood flow in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and congestive heart failure.

Stasis dermatitis is sometimes called gravitational dermatitis, venous stasis dermatitis, venous eczema, or varicose eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, stasis dermatitis occurs mostly in people aged 50 years or older and is more common in women than men.

In this article, we look at the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of stasis dermatitis. We also cover the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this condition.

Causes

Stasis dermatitis can cause inflammation, ulcers, and itchy skin on the lower legs.

Stasis dermatitis tends to develop in people with conditions that cause poor blood circulation in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves in the leg veins do not work correctly. As a result of the malfunctioning valves, blood can flow backward and pool in the lower legs. This pooling blood causes increased pressure and swelling in the veins, which can lead to the symptoms of stasis dermatitis.

Other conditions that can affect blood flow in the legs and feet and lead to stasis dermatitis include:

Symptoms

Varicose veins that become itchy and swollen are an early sign of stasis dermatitis.

The early symptoms of stasis dermatitis primarily affect the lower legs and may include:

irritated skin

red, itchy, or swollen skin, particularly over any varicose veins

a sensation of fullness, heaviness, or aching after extended periods of standing or walking

swelling on the inside of the lower leg and ankle, particularly at the end of the day or after standing for prolonged periods

As stasis dermatitis progresses, these earlier symptoms can worsen. In addition, new symptoms can appear, including:

swelling that spreads into the calves

red or purple ulcers that may ooze or scab

shiny, swollen skin

itchy, dry, and cracked skin

In severe cases of stasis dermatitis, some areas of the lower leg may become intensely itchy, hardened, scaly, and prone to infection. In some people, the calves may shrink.

Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose stasis dermatitis by asking about the person's symptoms and medical history. Previous or current conditions that they should be aware of include:

problems with the heart or circulation

blood clots

surgeries

injuries to the lower legs

The doctor may then examine the skin on the lower legs to check for visual signs of stasis dermatitis. They may also order a Doppler ultrasound, which is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to check the blood flow through blood vessels. Additional tests that check for heart function, blood pressure, and allergies may also be necessary.

A doctor will also evaluate a person for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to their stasis dermatitis. This might include reviewing any medications that the person is taking. For people who are overweight, a doctor will often provide advice on weight loss techniques.

Complications

Without treatment, stasis dermatitis can worsen and lead to complications that include:

chronic leg ulcers

leg wounds that fail to heal

abscesses

cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection in the deep layers of the skin

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